| Name: | Aaron Cavender |
| Gender: | Male |
| Agency: | Momence Fire Protection District |
| Type of Firefighter: | Volunteer |
| Rank: | Firefighter |
| Type of Duty: | Water rescue operations |
| Type of Award: | Medal of Valor |
| Year of Award: | 2019 |
| Incident City: | Momence |
| Year of Incident: | 2018 |
| Incident Location Type: | Water/Waterfront |
| Incident Attribute: |
Momence firefighters Adrian and Aaron Cavender were awarded the Medal of Valor for their efforts to rescue a victim stranded near her home after the Kankakee River flooded on February 20, 2018.
The victim had nearly drowned after being swept into the current by floodwater. She was stuck in waist-deep water in the cold and dark. The brothers grew tired after carrying a 210-pound boat half a mile towards where the woman’s location was reported to be. They then chose to use a rope bag, walking until they found her. Adrian Cavender held the rope, while Aaron Cavender entered the current. They were able to rescue the woman and get her medical attention.
Citations:
”Momence honors firefighters for water rescue,” Daily Journal, March 24, 2018.